Best CPU

[Claire Drew]

I have been saving to but a new CPU for mu HTPC

I amd looking at the below

AMD Phenom X4 Quad Core 9550 2.20GHz (Socket AM2) - Retail

True Quad-Core Technology, 2.20GHz clock speed, 2mb L2 Cache, 2mb L3 cache, AMD CoolCore Technology, AMD Cool & Quiet v2.0, 3yr Warranty.


or the


Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 LGA775 'Yorkfield' 2.33GHz 4MB-cache (1333FSB) Processor - Retail

Quad Core Technology, 2.33GHz clock speed, 4MB L2 Cache, Intel Speedstep Technology, EM64T 64-Bit Technology, Execute Disable Bit, 3yr Warranty.


I am not going to be clocking the system and will be running it on my 37" samsung via HDMI.

Please give me your advice.

P.S will be running Vista ultimate 64 bit

 

[Ging3r]

No question about it, go for the Q8200

 

[randal]

You won't be able to run an Intel chip in that board you're running the 4600 in sadly. New board time if you want an C2Q...

 

[jak731]

get a motherboard with the 780G chipset (AM2 micro ATX), the chipset will handle the HD decoding or get an ATI 2,3 or 4 series graphics card to handle HD decoding. a powerful CPU is only needed if you are also using your HTPC for encoding media from 1 format to another and a powerful GPU is only needed if gaming. for just media use ,something like a 3450 will be ideal.

for a HTPC, this is what i would start with

Your basket
Product Name Qty Price Line Total
Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H AMD 780G Micro-ATX (Socket AM2) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H AMD 780G Micro-ATX (Socket AM2) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard £59.99
(£68.99) £59.99
(£68.99)
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5000+ 2.60GHz (Socket AM2) - Retail AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5000+ 2.60GHz (Socket AM2) - Retail £39.99
(£45.99) £39.99
(£45.99)
Sub Total : £99.98
Shipping cost assumes delivery to UK Mainland with:
DHL @ Home Next Day (Delivered Mon-Fri)
(This can be changed during checkout) Shipping : £8.49
VAT is being charged at 15% VAT : £16.27
Total : £124.74

 

[Claire Drew]

I am looking at a full system from a 3rd party supplier. the 2 systems are very close part from the cpu and a small change to specks.

My current rig is sold to pay for new system

 

[jak731]

the q8200 from those two then gets my vote

 

[randal]

Agreed, sorry thought you were looking at an upgrade initially.

 

[marcus_667]

Q8200 vote from me too

 

[Claire Drew]

Thakns guys that answers my questions

 

[Big.Wayne]

Intel® Core™2 Duo E5200 is more than enough for HTPC duties . . .

 

[Stonedofmoo]

Intel® Core™2 Duo E5200 is more than enough for HTPC duties . . .

Agreed, what on earth would you need a quad core processor for in a HTPC? As said a 5200 would be more than enough and the price just dropped on them today.

 

[easyrider]

Intel® Core™2 Duo E5200 is more than enough for HTPC duties . . .

Indeed,

A quad for a HTPC?

No need.

 

[wolvers]

what on earth would you need a quad core processor for in a HTPC?

Encoding recorded TV/dvd rips in half the time?

 

[willy]

In that case your best bet probably Quad then

 

[easyrider]

Encoding recorded TV/dvd rips in half the time?

Do that on a main pc


HTPC is the front end not back end.